Covidien Opens Advanced Training and Research Center in Turkey

Covidien said Wednesday it has launched a medical training and research center in Turkey, the latest in a string of centers targeting emerging markets. Located in Istanbul, the Covidien Center of Innovation Turkey offers training on advanced procedures and techniques to doctors in Turkey and neighboring countries.

According to company, the program will focus on vascular disease, metabolic disorders and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, giving clinicians first-hand experience with Covidien solutions for these diseases.

CCI Turkey builds on earlier research and training centers in Shanghai, Mumbai and Osong, South Korea. A fifth center is set to open this year in São Paulo, Brazil.

Emerging markets comprise 15 percent of Covidien’s business, and that number is growing, said spokesman Peter Lucht. The regional training hubs are integral to getting capabilities in place to meet a country’s specific regulations, as well as growing the consumer base, he added.

The new facility will give doctors access to:

• Surgical suites and an intensive care unit laboratory with a human patient simulator;
• An R&D lab; and
• A 117-seat auditorium capable of transmitting live surgeries to attendees.

More than 5,000 healthcare professionals a year will be able to train at the center, Covidien said. — Kellen Owings

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